Co-Op Experience

The Computer Science Department offers a voluntary cooperative education program option for computer science majors. 

Majors in General Studies and Information Systems concentrations can pursue the traditional 4-year program track or they can elect to participate in, if they meet the requirements, the cooperative education program track.

Students participate in two 6-month full-time coop experiences; 

  • one in their junior year, 
  • and one in their senior year. 

This extends graduation a year but enhances their theoretical course work with real-world hands-on problem-solving, allows them to apply professional critical thinking skills within their discipline, and enriches the classroom environment. Students receive experiential credit on their transcript and maintain full-time student status. The coop experience will help students experience diverse areas of interest within the computer science discipline and lead them to more focused graduate studies or employment.

Alternatively, if a student wants this opportunity on a part-time basis they can register for an internship course during a  semester in their junior or senior year as part of their regular course load.  This would become one of their "free" electives (ie- it is not counted as one of the required CS courses or CS electives). 

Students are encouraged to participate in one of the above options, as employers are looking for students who have real world experience and have demonstrated an ability in the field beyond the classroom.

To register for the co-op, a student must complete an application form, provide the form to their employer for signature and position description, and finally obtain the signiture of the co-op coordinator, after which the student turns the completed form in to the registrar to register for the co-op course.

New and Notable

New and Notable

Alex Garston

Alex Garston '2019

CS Graduates share their stories

  • Job Title: Software Engineer
  • Company: Fidelity Investments 

"I interned at Fidelity summer of 2018. I was introduced to Angular which inspired me to get involved with front end development. I brought that interest with me into my full time position, which has put me on a team that is involved with the website of our project. A recent achievement was a promotion that has motivated me to push myself harder to define myself as a front end developer and expand my knowledge into mobile applications." 

Trevor Kiwumulo

Trevor Kiwumulo

Computer Science Student - 2019/2020 participant

"Joining Hack Diversity is one of the best decisions I've ever made. I didn’t know what to expect but after the interview, I came to realize that this is something I've wanted all along. Over the past months, Hack Diversity has shown us that being the minority can be an opportunity to make a breakthrough!

I was connected to WordStream as a 2020 summer intern to practice the skills I learned at FSU and Hack Diversity. As a Hack Diversity alumni, I encourage all underrepresented students to join the Hack Diversity program for a chance to take a step toward your career journey."

Our Faculty

Satish Penmatsa

Satish Penmatsa, Ph.D.

Chair, Computer Science Department

Zhenguang (Jeff) Gao

Professor, Computer Science Department

Cornelia Breuning

Cooperative Experience Coordinator, Associate Professor, Computer Science Department

Suban Krishnamoorthy, Ph.D.

Professor, Computer Science Department

Mission Statement

The mission of the Department of Computer Science is to provide high-quality computer science education through theoretical and hands-on training in analyzing, designing, and implementing software and information systems. Internship and co-op opportunities are supplied. The department helps students enhance their critical thinking ability, communication skills, and understanding of professional, ethical, and social responsibilities. Graduates are prepared for successful careers and receive a strong foundation for life-long learning.

Computers, pens, notepads

Learning Objectives

  • Analyze a problem, and identify and define the appropriate computing requirements

    Design a computer-based system, process, component or program to meet the specifications

  • Implement and test a computer-based design using current techniques, skills and tools

    Function effectively in teams to accomplish a common goal


     

  • Apply mathematical foundations, algorithmic principles and computer science theory in the design of computer-based systems in a way that demonstrates comprehension of the tradeoffs involved in design choices

  • Understand professional, ethical, legal, security and social issues and responsibilities

  • Use oral and written communication effectively

  • Recognize the need for continuing professional development

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